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Tangle Refresher 130 – Featuring an exploration of the possibilities of the aura

By Linda Farmer, CZT ~ June 10th, 2016

Many of our favorite tangles involve simply adding auras, a halo-like stroke either inside or outside a previously placed stroke.

One of today’s tangles, Xyp (pronounced zip) is as lovely as it is because of the aura used in its construction. In fact all five of today’s Refresher tangles feature auras in one form or another, either as an embellishment or as an integral part of its construction.

Today we’re revisiting a Refresher from early in 2015 where we explored the possibilities of the aura, as explained by Zentangle® founders, Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. You haven’t seen auras until you study what Maria does with them. Read on …

“In Zentangle we frequently use the term “aura“, which is one of six tangle-enhancing techniques, along with dewdrop, perfs, rounding, shading and sparkle.

From the Zentangle blog:

“In the Zentangle Method, a line tracing around the outside or inside of a tangle is called an aura. It’s like a halo. It’s like ripples that radiate on calm water.

Aura-ing is a good example of drawing in a Zentangle way for two reasons: (1) you don’t need to figure out where to draw, you just trace what’s already there; and (2), you can’t usually tell what the shapes of the next few auras will look like so you just enjoy the one you’re drawing at the moment.

Aura-ing is a basic component of many tangles. That’s why we teach crescent moon first in our introductory classes.

Aura-ing is a great exercise in awareness, control of pen and focus. It’s a good reminder to rotate your tile as you tangle. It encourages a tangler to not pre-plan the outcome of a completed Zentangle tile.”

Auras created by a drop of water …

In this post, in her own inimitable way, Maria explores innovative ways of adding auras to your tangles, including:

using a different shaped line for the aura

using different shaped auras, one after the other

tangling the space between two auras, and

using another tangle as the aura

Check out the post and see what interesting ways you can come up for using this simple but creative technique to enhance your tangles.

And be sure to enjoy the inspirational Zentangle examples!”

The Tangle Refresher series, aka Buried Treasure, spotlights hidden tangle gems from the past. It can remind you of tangles you might not have used for a while or introduce you to some you haven’t come across yet.

Here are five more tangle pattern gems and a Tangle Refresher from a year (or two) ago for your tangling pleasure. Remember to check out the “More Good Stuff” links below too.

BTW as you visit these tangles please do leave a comment of thanks and encouragement to show the artists you appreciate them for sharing their creativity to inspire yours. And please share a link to your favorite tangles with your followers on all your social media. Thanks!

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Remember you can get your official Zentangle supplies here too, including the fabulous Zentangle PRIMER Vol 1. It's your CZT-in-a-book by the founders of Zentangle®! Visit the STORE tab on the top menu bar or click on the image. For more about the content and to read the rave reviews, visit the BOOK REVIEWS tab.

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Another great jump-starter for new tanglers is the original Official Zentangle Kit. The Kit includes all the supplies you'll need to get started properly: Sakura Micron Pens, Zentangle Tiles, pencil, sharpener, tortillion, a booklet and an instructional DVD by co-founder Maria Thomas. Click on the image for more information about the Kit and its contents.

1 comment to Tangle Refresher 130 – Featuring an exploration of the possibilities of the aura

Linda, thanks for this great bunch of tangles in this Tangle Refresher. I’ve used each one of them before, but had forgotten about some of them. So, I used each one of them on a tile. What fun! I will have to leave a bunch more room for Myko next time though. 😀

Since the Diva Challenge wasn’t happening this week due to Laura’s need to get some well deserved rest, I used this as my challenge for this week. I just may do this with all the Tangle Refreshers. A nice way to not have to think about what tangles I’m going to use. 😉

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